Father’s Day Planting Party at the Drought-tolerant Demonstration Garden in KImberley

Looking for a good-looking, low-maintenance, light-drinking…yard?
Come to Wildsight's Father’s Day Planting Party at the Drought-tolerant Demonstration Garden

Kimberley, B.C. — Interested in an alternative to your lawn that’s good-looking, low-maintenance and doesn’t drink a whole lot… of water? Then come to the Drought-Tolerant Demonstration Garden next to the Kimberley Aquatic Centre for a Planting Party this Sunday afternoon.

Wildsight’s Mark Creek Recovery Program invites everyone to join in a unique gardening project that’s been taking shape over the last year as an area formerly devoted to bocce pits transforms into a drought-tolerant oasis of greenery.

“On Sunday, everyone is welcome to join us plant a variety of ground covers and native plants in the Aquatic Centre Park,” said Liam Cullen, Wildsight’s Biodiversity Intern. “We’ll be planting drought tolerant grass mixes, clover and other low-water, low-maintenance ground covers that thrive in our region as well as lots of different native plants. The afternoon will be productive as well as interesting.”

The planting party is scheduled for Father’s Day, Sunday June 20 between 2 and 4p.m. The whole family is welcome to attend and snacks will be provided.

“We’ll meet at the Fish-Friendly-drought-tolerant-groundcover display,” Cullen said. “Otherwise known as the fenced park area behind the Kimberley Aquatic Centre.”

Cullen said volunteers will learn which drought tolerant ground covers use less water, require less maintenance and look better then traditional lawns. The selection of plants includes drought resistant ground covers as well as native flowers and shrubs.

“The park has been taking shape over the last year,” Cullen said. “The Kimberley Rotary Club  started off the project building fencing, picnic tables and landscaping.  The Selkirk Secondary outdoor class taught by Jen Meens, and Smartscape Landscaping, have been working with Wildsight on the drought tolerant lawn and garden demonstration area”

Cullen said the garden, and, consequently the learning opportunity it provides, has been funded by Columbia Basin Trust. “Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook is grateful to CBT for its support.”

In the summer, Kimberley can use as much as  3,000 litres of water per day per person. “Water restrictions and aquatic habitat protection of our local streams are two very compelling reasons to learn how to use plants that don’t guzzle water in our yards,” Cullen said. “Sunday’s Planting Party will tell all—don’t miss it!”

Contact: Liam Cullen, Wildsight Biodiversity Intern • Liam@Wildsight.ca • 250.427.2535